Groton Man Gets 6 Years In Prison For Arranging Prostitution Of A Minor

HARTFORD — A Groton man was sentenced to more than six years in federal prison on Thursday for arranging the prostitution of a 16-year-old girl, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's office.

Samuel Rivera and his former wife Dana Rivera posted Internet ads, took calls from prospective customers, booked hotel rooms and transported the girl to and from prostitution calls in southeastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, the release states.

In May and June 2011, the victim saw five or six customers a day, according to the release. The Riveras split the proceeds and gave none of the money to the victim.

Samuel Rivera, 23, was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by seven years of supervised release.

Dana Rivera, who also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, was given the same sentence in May, according to the release.